Prop George Rose has asked for a release from his NRL contract with Melbourne on compassionate grounds but his plans could be hampered by the suspension of front rower Jordan McLean.
According to a Fairfax report, Rose is struggling with living away from his Sydney-based family after joining the Storm from Manly in the off-season and made the request to Storm officials on Wednesday.
McLean is set to miss another six matches as he serves a seven-match ban for his tackle on Newcastle’s Alex McKinnon and that is expected to come into Melbourne’s thinking on granting Rose’s request.
It’s understood Melbourne have sounded out several player managers as they search for a capable replacement.
Rose, who signed a one-year deal with the Storm, is sure to attract plenty of interest from NSW-based clubs should he be given a release.